The Korean government will expand discounts on heating and energy bills, offering up to 592,000 won ($480) for low-income households during the winter months, to help ease cost burden from a surge in global energy prices.

The measure follows criticism that many vulnerable people are ineligible for state energy vouchers and households in the second lowest-income bracket also need help.

Under the plan, some 1.7 million underprivileged households and about 320,000 lower-income families will receive a state heating bill subsidy of 592,000 won during the winter months of December to March.

Out of 2.02 million households in these two categories, up to 1.69 million that rely on urban gas supply for heating will benefit from bill discounts.

All basic living support recipients will receive an increase in gas price discounts from 288,000 won to 592,000 won for the four-month period. For those in the second lowest-income bracket, who are not eligible for the energy voucher system, will also see their deductions increase to the same amount from 144,000 won.

Last week, ruling People Power Party and the government vowed to double state support for the energy voucher system and gas price discounts for vulnerable people.

On Monday, President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered aides to actively consider ways to reduce the burden of heating bills to support low-income households.

By Pulse

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